What is a Swiss Doodle?
“AMD” “Australian Mountain Doodle” “Aussie Mountain Doodle”
“Swissdoodle Puppies (Bernedoodle x Aussiedoodle)”
Swiss doodle
Breed Traits & Characteristics
Height: Variable
Weight: Variable
Lifespan: 12-15 years average but varies by size.
About Swiss Doodles (Australian Mountain Doodles)
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, the term Swiss Doodle is commonly used to describe what is more accurately known as the Australian Mountain Doodle—a purpose-bred companion developed from Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle lines, with select programs incorporating Australian Shepherd ancestry for structure, temperament, and genetic balance.
Rather than a novelty cross, the Australian Mountain Doodle was designed to be a stable, family-centered dog: calm yet capable, affectionate without being fragile, and intelligent without being high-strung.
What Is a Swiss Doodle?
A Swiss Doodle (Australian Mountain Doodle) is a thoughtfully developed hybrid that combines:
The steadiness, loyalty, and tri-color heritage of the Bernese Mountain Dog
The intelligence, coat versatility, and trainability of the Poodle
The result is a dog bred not for trends, but for predictability, temperament, and long-term companionship.
Why Some Families Call Them “Swiss Doodles”
If you’ve been researching Bernese-based doodles online, you may have come across the term Swiss Doodle—especially if you’re searching from the Eastern or Southern United States.
In those regions, Swiss Doodle is a commonly used regional name, not a separate or distinct breed.
The term draws from the Bernese Mountain Dog’s Swiss origin and has been widely adopted by family buyers and breeders in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and parts of the South as a friendly way to describe a Bernese-based doodle with a calm, family-oriented temperament.
Swiss Doodle vs Australian Mountain Doodle
Here’s where clarity matters.
What many families call a Swiss Doodle is, in most modern programs, genetically and structurally the same dog known elsewhere as an Australian Mountain Doodle. The difference is terminology, not design.
Over time, Australian Mountain Doodle became the more accurate and standardized name, reflecting:
The intentional combination of Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle lines
In some programs, the addition of Australian Shepherd ancestry for balance, temperament, and structural clarity
A multi-generation approach focused on predictability rather than novelty
Why the names vary by region
Breed terminology often evolves regionally before it becomes standardized. Swiss Doodle gained traction earlier in certain parts of the U.S., while Australian Mountain Doodle became more widely adopted as programs matured and lineage planning became more precise.
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, we recognize Swiss Doodle as a search term and regional synonym, not a separate breeding category. Our goal is to meet families where they are in their search—while providing clear, accurate education about lineage, temperament, and long-term expectations.
Why this distinction matters
Understanding naming differences helps families:
Avoid confusion when comparing breeders
Better evaluate lineage and generation—not just labels
Focus on temperament, health, and structure rather than trendy terms
No matter what name you encounter, what matters most is how the dogs are bred, raised, and matched to the right home.
Appearance & Coat
Australian Mountain Doodles are medium to large dogs with a balanced, athletic build. Most display classic black or brown tri-color patterns, sometimes with merle expression depending on lineage.
Coats range from wavy to softly curly, with both furnished and unfurnished expressions depending on generation. While many families experience reduced shedding, coat traits vary and are intentionally matched to lifestyle rather than marketed as guarantees.
Temperament & Family Fit
Temperament is where this breed truly shines.
Australian Mountain Doodles are known for being:
Deeply people-oriented and loyal
Gentle and intuitive with children
Social and environmentally stable
Highly trainable without being reactive
These traits make them well-suited for family homes, therapy-track prospects, and companion roles, especially when raised with structured early development.
The Stokeshire Difference
At Stokeshire, we don’t breed labels—we breed outcomes.
Our program emphasizes:
Multi-generation planning over one-off crosses
Genetic diversity and health transparency
Early neurological stimulation, confidence building, and family exposure
Intentional placement based on lifestyle, not just availability
Every puppy is raised with the expectation that it will become a long-term family member, not a short-term purchase.
Australian Mountain Dogs (Aussie × Bernese)
The Australian Mountain Dog—often called an Aussie Bernese—is a non-doodle foundation breed created by crossing the Australian Shepherd with the Bernese Mountain Dog. This pairing focuses on structure, temperament, and working balance, without introducing Poodle genetics.
While they share ancestry with the Australian Mountain Doodle, Australian Mountain Dogs are unfurnished, lower-maintenance working companions with predictable coats and classic mountain-dog builds.
Key traits commonly include:
Strong, athletic frames with classic tri-color or tri-merle patterns
Loyal, people-oriented temperaments
High environmental stability and confidence
Moderate energy with strong handler focus
In breeding programs like Stokeshire Designer Doodles, Australian Mountain Dogs often serve as a genetic and structural foundation—contributing bone, temperament, and clarity of type when paired with carefully selected Poodle lines to produce Australian Mountain Doodles.
For families seeking a non-doodle mountain dog with intelligence, loyalty, and versatility—or for those wanting to understand the roots behind Australian Mountain Doodles—this breed offers important context.
Begin Your Journey
If you’re exploring Swiss Doodles or Australian Mountain Doodles, we invite you to go deeper than surface descriptions. Learn how lineage, structure, and early environment shape the dog you’ll live with for the next decade.
Explore current and upcoming litters, review our educational resources, or reach out to begin a guided placement process.
This isn’t about finding a puppy.
It’s about finding the right one.
Litter of Swiss Doodles
Our Swiss doodle
Breeding Program
We plan to use Stilly & Moxie, our AKC Registered Blue Australian Shepherd in our Standard Aussie Mountain Doodle lines. Feta, our female Bernese Mountain Dog, along with two Mini-Aussies, (who come from show lines) and two Mini-Berndodles, and several Poodle lines will be the foundational bloodlines for this new and exciting breed!
As of October 2022, we have a new Stud, Apollo, an F1 Australian Mountain Dog who we will breed to our Tri Parti Poodle, SDD Pepper Jack Stokes in the spring of 2023. Our blue merle Swiss Doodle A.K.A Australian Mountain Doodles will appear to have a light gray coloring with darker patches of gray. They can also have blue eyes.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT
Swiss doodles
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Our Swiss Doodles come in a variety of sizes. The best indicator of size is the size of the parents. We predict the weight of all of our puppies using an equation that gives us the best estimate for adult weight. Male Standard Swiss Doodles average 60-100 lbs and average 18-27 inches tall at a healthy adult weight. Female Swiss Doodles will weigh, on average, 50-80 lbs and will average 15-25 inches tall.
To achieve smaller sizes, we carefully select parent breeds such as Miniature American Shepherds, Toy Poodles, and Mulitgen Bernese. By incorporating these breeds into our breeding program, we are able to produce Mini Swiss Doodle puppies that weigh less than 50 lbs and stand less than 20 inches tall.
At Stokeshire Designer Doodles, our focus is on producing medium-sized dogs that are around 40-50 lbs. We understand that size preferences vary among dog owners, so we strive to offer Swiss Doodles that fit your desired size range.
Here are our Swiss Doodle size standards:
STANDARD SWISS DOODLES (SD)
Height: 20-28 Inches
Weight: 50+ lbs
MINI SWISS DOODLES (SD)
Height: Less than 20 inches
Weight: Less than 50 lbs
We take great care in breeding Swiss Doodles of various sizes to accommodate your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a Standard or Mini Swiss Doodle, we have the perfect companion waiting for you.
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The texture of a Swiss Doodle, which is a crossbreed of an Australian Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Poodle, can vary. Since Swiss Doodles are a mixed breed, their coat texture can inherit characteristics from any of the parent breeds involved in their lineage.
Australian Shepherds typically have a medium-length double coat that is weather-resistant. It can be straight to slightly wavy, with a dense undercoat. Bernese Mountain Dogs, on the other hand, have a thick, medium-length, and moderately wavy coat that is also double-layered. Poodles are known for their curly or tightly curled, dense, and low-shedding coats.
Considering these parent breeds, Swiss Doodles may have a variety of coat textures, ranging from wavy to curly. Some Swiss Doodles may have a loose or gentle wave in their coat, while others can have a more curly or tightly curled coat. The texture can also vary in terms of thickness and density.
It's important to note that individual Swiss Doodles within the same litter can have different coat textures. Coat types can also change or develop as the puppy grows into adulthood. Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional professional trimming, will help maintain the coat's health and prevent matting regardless of the texture.
For more specific information about the texture of a Swiss Doodle from a particular breeder or litter, it's best to consult with the breeder directly as they can provide insights into the specific coat traits of their Swiss Doodles.
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Australian Mountain Doodles can come in a variety of different colors, however, we intentionally breed for a blue or red merle tri-coat.
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Yes, Swiss Doodles are generally considered to be easy to train. These hybrid dogs inherit intelligence and trainability from both the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, making them quick learners and eager to please their owners.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their willingness to learn and their desire to work with their human companions. They are typically responsive and trainable. Poodles, on the other hand, are highly intelligent and often excel in obedience training and various dog sports. They are quick to pick up commands and enjoy mental stimulation.
When these qualities are combined in Swiss Doodles, they tend to be receptive to training and can excel in obedience, agility, and other activities. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods, such as treats, praise, and rewards. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement techniques are key to successful training with Swiss Doodles.
Early socialization is also important for Swiss Doodles. Exposing them to different environments, people, animals, and experiences from a young age helps them develop into well-rounded, confident dogs.
It's worth mentioning that individual Swiss Doodles may have their own unique personalities and temperaments, which can influence their trainability. Some may be more eager to please and quick to learn, while others may require a bit more patience and repetition. Training should be tailored to the individual dog's needs and preferences.
Overall, with proper training, socialization, and positive reinforcement, Swiss Doodles can become well-behaved and obedient companions.
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Swiss Doodles have a moderate to high energy level, but the specific energy level can vary from dog to dog. The energy level of a Swiss Doodle is influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, individual temperament, and the amount of exercise and mental stimulation they receive.
Both Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles have varying energy levels, and Swiss Doodles inherit traits from both parent breeds. Bernese Mountain Dogs are generally known for their moderate energy levels, while Poodles can range from moderate to high energy, depending on the size and variety (Standard, Miniature, or Toy).
Swiss Doodles often have an active and playful nature. They enjoy activities that engage their minds and bodies. Daily exercise, such as walks, runs, playtime, and interactive games, is essential to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. Regular exercise helps prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
It's important to note that Swiss Doodles are adaptable and can adjust their energy levels to their environment and family's lifestyle. They are typically responsive to their owner's energy and activity level. While they have energy to burn, they can also relax and be calm indoor companions when their exercise needs are met.
Providing your Swiss Doodle with regular exercise, mental stimulation, and interactive playtime will help maintain their overall well-being and prevent excessive energy or restlessness. It's important to find a balance that suits your dog's needs and lifestyle, ensuring they receive adequate physical and mental outlets for their energy.
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Adopting a Swiss Doodle can be a wonderful choice for several reasons:
1. Unique and Adorable Companions: Swiss Doodles are a unique and captivating breed. Their charming appearance, which combines the Bernese Mountain Dog's tri-color coat and the Poodle's curly or wavy fur, is sure to turn heads. They are often described as teddy bear-like and are admired for their adorable looks.
2. Intelligence and Trainability: Swiss Doodles inherit intelligence and trainability from both the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents. This makes them quick learners and eager to please, making training a relatively easy and enjoyable process. Their intelligence also makes them highly adaptable to various environments and lifestyles.
3. Loving and Loyal Nature: Swiss Doodles are known for their affectionate and loving nature. They form strong bonds with their families and are highly devoted and loyal companions. They thrive on human interaction and are eager to be involved in family activities.
4. Good with Children and Other Pets: Swiss Doodles are generally good with children and other pets. They have a gentle and patient demeanor, making them suitable for families with young children. Their social nature allows them to get along well with other dogs and animals when properly socialized.
5. Moderate Energy Level: Swiss Doodles have a moderate energy level, which means they enjoy both active playtime and relaxing at home. They can adapt to different lifestyles and are content with daily exercise and mental stimulation. Whether you prefer outdoor adventures or quieter activities, Swiss Doodles can fit in with various family dynamics.
6. Hypoallergenic Qualities: Many Swiss Doodles have low-shedding or hypoallergenic coats, thanks to their Poodle heritage. This can be a significant advantage for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to pet dander.
7. Health and Longevity: Mixed breeds like Swiss Doodles often benefit from what is known as hybrid vigor, which can result in increased overall health and longevity compared to purebred dogs. While it's important to choose a reputable breeder or consider adopting from a shelter or rescue organization to ensure the health of the individual dog, Swiss Doodles can generally have a lower risk of certain breed-specific health issues.
By adopting a Swiss Doodle, you not only gain a loving and intelligent companion but also support responsible breeding practices and potentially provide a forever home for a deserving dog.
